Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Deacetylation Assays to Unravel the Interplay between Sirtuins (SIRT2) and Specific Protein-substrates
14:32

Deacetylation Assays to Unravel the Interplay between Sirtuins (SIRT2) and Specific Protein-substrates

Published on: February 27, 2016

The role of SIRT1 in tumorigenesis

Kai Li1, Jianyuan Luo

  • 1Department of Medical & Research Technology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, AHB 405A, 100 Penn Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

North American Journal of Medicine & Science
|December 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

SIRT1, a protein involved in stress and metabolism, has a complex role in cancer. This review explores its dual functions in tumor promotion and suppression, highlighting current research controversies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • NAD-dependent Class III histone deacetylase SIRT1 is a key regulator of cellular processes.
  • SIRT1 influences stress response, metabolism, and aging by deacetylating various substrates.
  • Evidence suggests SIRT1 has a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor promoter and suppressor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the current understanding of SIRT1.
  • To discuss the controversies surrounding SIRT1's function in tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on SIRT1.
  • Analysis of studies investigating SIRT1's role in cancer development.

Main Results:

  • SIRT1 deacetylates critical substrates like p53, PGC-1α, and NF-κB.
  • SIRT1 exhibits context-dependent functions in tumorigenesis.
  • Conflicting data exists regarding SIRT1's precise role in cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • SIRT1's multifaceted nature complicates its role in cancer.
  • Further research is needed to resolve the controversies surrounding SIRT1 in tumorigenesis.

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...